Image by viZZZual.com via FlickrBy Claire W Schembri
Venice is renowned as one of the most romantic and lovely destinations in the world. The city is built on 118 small islands and is connected by over 400 bridges of which only 3 cross the main canal.
The Republic of Venice dates back to 827, when a Byzantine Duke moved its seat to what is now known as the Rialto, and for almost ten centuries, prospered on trade and under the rule of a Roman-style Senate headed by the Doge. In 1797, the city was conquered by Napoleon and was soon merged into Austria-Hungary. For the following years, the city was ping-ponged back and forth between Austria and Italy. Venice became part of Italy in 1866 following the Seven Weeks War.
